Roxana Zuniga Sanchez
Vancouver,BC
Summary
Highly experienced and skilled veterinary scientist advocate with a strong background in the development of biopharmaceuticals for both human and veterinary applications. Improving human and animal health motivates me. With nine years of research experience in Applied Biotechnology, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of diverse disciplines, mainly in the fields of immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology. My expertise spans the development of recombinant protein vaccines, diagnostic systems, and different molecules for treating infectious diseases. As a part of my job, I have led team groups demonstrating profound management, problem-solving skills, critical thinking, organization, teamwork, trust, work, and compromise at work. I am confident in my ability to develop biopharmaceuticals for both human and animal applications, leveraging my expertise in understanding the unique requirements and challenges of each species.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of British Columbia
01.2025 - Current
Development of Antibodies as Therapeutics Against Influenza Viruses.
Principal Research Scientist
Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center
01.2023 - 2024
- Company Overview: Biopharmaceutical Company, Chile
Research Project: Validate technically and commercially a recombinant FSH prototype with optimization of dosage in a superovulation scheme. Main technical skills developed:
- Formulate and submit research proposals.
- Oversee the design and coordination of in vivo and in vitro assays within the project, ensuring timelycompletion and meeting the proposed objectives.
- Expression of recombinant proteins FSH in mammaliancells (CHO and HEK-293 FT).
- Puricación of recombinant proteins throughchromatography (IMAC).
- Designing and performing ELISA assays to detectspecic antibodies against the recombinant protein. .Carry out protein analysis through SDS-PAGE andWestern Blotting.
- Carry out protein quantication using BCA. . Design and conduct assays in animal models.
- Leading the development of biopharmaceuticals for human and animal applications.
- Managing research projects and teams.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure project success.
Researcher
Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Company Overview: Biopharmaceutical Company, Chile
Research Project: Development and validation of a human IL2 bio better variant for metastatic renal cancer treatment. Main technical skills developed:
- Development of a mammalian cell line producing recombinant variant of IL2.
- Recombinant protein production from mammalian cell culture.
- Chromatography Purification of IL2 recombinant variant.
Researcher
University of Concepcion
01.2020 - 01.2022
Research Project: Development of a new subunit and recombinant vaccine against bovine tuberculosis that protects cattle from the disease and does not interfere with the tuberculin skin test. Main technical skills developed:
- Fermentation of recombinant proteins from Mycobacterium bovis (Acr-Rv2660c and Ag85b-ESAT6) in E. coli using a bioreactor of 5 L.
- Bacterial cell culture.
- Purification of His tag recombinant proteins from M.bovis using chromatography IMAC and ion exchange in ÄKTA system.
- Desalting using G25, Protein diafiltration, and Protein ultrafiltration.
- Characterization of cell population throughout flow cytometry.
- Characterization of antibody response throughout ELISA.
- Optimization of a quantitative qPCR for bacterial load in tissue samples.
- Optimization of an RT PCR for gene expression in tissue samples.
- Protein analysis using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
- Protein silver staining.
- Protein reverse staining with Imidazole and Zinc.
- Purification of protein from polyacrylamide gel using electroelution method.
Researcher
University of Concepcion
01.2017 - 01.2018
Research Project: Development of a new diagnostic test based on lateral ow assay for bovine tuberculosis. Main technical skills developed:
- Fermentation of recombinant proteins from Mycobacterium bovis (MPB70 and MPB83)in E. coli using a bioreactor of 5 L.
- Bacterial cell culture.
- Purification of His tag recombinant proteins from M.bovis using chromatography IMACand ion exchange in ÄKTA system.
- Protein analysis using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
- Protein Silver staining.
Researcher
University of Concepcion
01.2016 - 01.2016
Research Project: Development of a recombinant biopharmaceutical for treating solid tumors. Main technical skills developed:
- Expression and purification of recombinant proteins in bacterial systems.
- Protein analysis using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
- Optimization of ELISA assay.
RESEARCHER
University of Concepcion
01.2015 - 01.2016
Research Project: Developing a recombinant vaccine against the PCV2 virus boosted with immunomodulator cytokines. A biotechnological solution for the national pig industry. Main technical skills developed:
- Working under aseptic techniques.
- Bacterial cell culture.
- Expression and purification of recombinant proteins in bacterial systems.
- Protein analysis using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
RESEARCHER
University of Calgary
01.2012 - 2013
Research Project: Development and Optimization of a Dot blot assay for detecting specic antibodies in serum against synthetic peptides from Respiratory and Reproductive Porcine Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). Main technical skills developed:
- Optimization of ELISA and Dot blot assays for the detection of antibodies.
Education
Ph.D. - Veterinary Sciences And Biotechnology
University of Concepcion
Chile10-2023
Skills
- DNA/RNA isolation and purification
- DNA Cloning
- qPCR/PCR/RTPCR
- Expression of recombinant proteins (bacteria/mammal cells)
- Purification of recombinant proteins (Akta System)
- Protein characterization (SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, DLS)
- Cell culture
- Virus handling (BSL-2/BSL-3)/ Virus infection Assays/Virus Neutralization Assay
- ELISA
- Flow Cytometry
- Animal model assays (Rodents)
- Data collection, organization and analysis
- MS office
- Graph Prism
- Team Leadership
- Project Management
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
- Team collaboration
Accomplishments
- 2022: Doctoral Internship at Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador of Zubiran, Mexico City (Mexico). Work in CL3 facility.
LANGUAGES
Spanish (Native)
English (Fluent)
Certification
- 2024-2025
Certication Program in Project Management, Andres Bello University. - 2022
Induction to the Vivarium entry policies, Institute of Medical Sciences andNutrition Salvador of Zubiran, Mexico.
- 2018-2023
Ph.D in Veterinary Sciences/Biotechnology, University of Concepcion.Thesis Project: Development and characterization of a subunit recombinant vaccine against bovine tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis.
- 2006-2012
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), University of Concepcion.Thesis Project: Preliminary study of the development of a dot-blot assay for detecting specific antibodies in swine sera against PRRSV envelope proteins. Responsible for implementing a dot blot assay and immunoassays to characterize antibody response.
Scientific Conferences Courses
- Development and characterization of a novel variant of long-acting bovine follicle-stimulating hormone (brscFSH), Oscar Ignacio Cabeza, Natalie Parra, Rita Cerro, Rodrigo Mansilla, Roxana Zuniga Sanchez, Miguel Gutierrez-Reinoso, Eduardo H. Escribano, Raul Castillo, Lleretny Rodriguez, Kaio Tavares, Saul Gaudencio, Leonardo Martins, Florence I. Hugues, Jannel Acosta, Ernesto Moreno, Raquel Montesino, Manuel García-Herreros, Frank Camacho Casanova, Jorge R. Toledo, Oliberto Sanchez, 1th International meeting of Biotechnology, Chile, 2024
- Development and preliminary characterization of a DIVA subunit vaccine against Mycobacterium bovis, Roxana Zuniga, Frank Camacho, Oscar Cabezas, Florence Hugues, Jorge Toledo, Janel Acosta, Oliberto Sanchez, 7th International Conference on Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), Galeway, Ireland, 2022
- Development and preliminary characterization of a lateral flow system for serological diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis infection, Pedro Neira, Viana Manrique, Roxana Zuniga, Yaneisys Lamothe, Oscar Cabezas, Florence Hugues, Jorge Toledo, Janel Acosta, Frank Camacho, Oliberto Sanchez, 7th International Conference on Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), Galeway, Ireland, 2022
- Recombinant antigens of Mycobacterium bovis recognized by bovine sera with known bovine tuberculosis status using an ELISA assay, Roxana Zuniga, Pedro Neira, Rodrigo Mansilla, Oscar Cabezas, Oliberto Sanchez, Latin American Symposium on Cell Culture Technology (SLATCC), Rio de Janeiro, 2018-11-16
- Production and purification of fully active recombinant human Epidermal Growth Factor in Pichia pastoris, Mansilla R., Zuniga R., Lamazares E., Sánchez O, Toledo J., Latin American Symposium on Cell Culture Technology (SLATCC), Rio de Janeiro, 2018-11-16
- Recombinant antigens of Mycobacterium bovis recognized by bovine sera with known bovine tuberculosis status using an ELISA assay, Roxana Zuniga, Pedro Neira, Rodrigo Mansilla, Oscar Cabezas, Oliberto Sanchez, XXVI Latin-American Symposium of Microbiology, Santiago, 2018
- Development of a new diagnostic system against bovine tuberculosis, Roxana Zuniga, Rodrigo Mansilla, Florence Hugues, Oscar Cabezas, Oliberto Sánchez, XXIV Annual meeting of Biology Society from Chile, Puerto Varas, 2017
Degree
Ph.D. in Veterinary Sciences/Biotechnology
<Enter your own>
Nationality: Chilean
Publications
- Superovulation of dairy cows using recombinant FSH (bscrFSH): Effect of the number of FSH applications on ovarian response, hormone profiles, and in vivo embryo production. Miguel A. Gutierrez-Reinoso, Eduardo H. Escribano, Ignacio Cabezas, Florence Hugues, Natalie C. Parra, Roxana Zuniga Sanchez, Oliberto Sánchez, Jorge R. Toledo, Manuel Garcia-Herreros., 2025, Theriogenology, 234, 42-50.
- Development and characterization of a novel variant of long-acting bovine follicle-stimulating hormone (brscFSH), Oscar Ignacio Cabeza, Natalie Parra, Rita Cerro, Rodrigo Mansilla, Roxana Zuniga Sanchez, Miguel Gutierrez-Reinoso, Eduardo H. Escribano, Raul Castillo, Lleretny Rodriguez, Kaio Tavares, Saul Gaudencio, Leonardo Martins, Florence I. Hugues, Jannel Acosta, Ernesto Moreno, Raquel Montesino, Manuel García-Herreros, Frank Camacho Casanova, Jorge R. Toledo, Oliberto Sanchez, 2024, Theriogenology, 226, 76-86
- The problem associated with tuberculosis in cattle and how this is being addressed, Zuniga Sanchez R., Sanchez Ramos O., Camacho F., 2023, Bionatura, 8 (2), 1-9, SCOPUS
- Preliminary study for detecting pig-specific antibodies against peptides obtained from PRRSV envelope proteins using Dot blot assay, Zuniga Sanchez R., Czub M., Waeckerlin R., Mansilla R., Camacho F., Ruiz Garrido A., 2017, Bionatura, 2 (4), 432-36, SCOPUS
Awards
Awarded in 2018 with the National Doctorate Scholarship ANID given by the Chilean government
Timeline
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of British Columbia
01.2025 - Current
Principal Research Scientist
Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center
01.2023 - 2024
Researcher
Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center
01.2022 - 01.2023
Researcher
University of Concepcion
01.2020 - 01.2022
Researcher
University of Concepcion
01.2017 - 01.2018
Researcher
University of Concepcion
01.2016 - 01.2016
RESEARCHER
University of Concepcion
01.2015 - 01.2016
RESEARCHER
University of Calgary
01.2012 - 2013
Ph.D. - Veterinary Sciences And Biotechnology
University of Concepcion
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